Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Effexor XR?What Is Lexapro?Dosing GuidelinesHow Long Do They Take to Work?Side Effects & Precautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Effexor XR?
What Is Lexapro?
Dosing Guidelines
How Long Do They Take to Work?
Side Effects & Precautions
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are prescription medications used to treat depression and anxiety.
Venlafaxine is classified in a group of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Immediate-release (IR) venlafaxine is only available in its generic form. It is U.S. Food and Drug Administration- (FDA) approved to treat depression.
Effexor XR is an extended-release (ER) form of this medication. It is also approved to treat depression plus certain types of anxiety disorders.
Lexaprois classified in a group of drugs calledselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)and contains the active ingredient escitalopram.
This medication is FDA-approved to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike Effexor XR, it can be used for children and adolescents of a certain age.
Effexor XR and Lexapro are both popularly prescribed medications. This article will discuss their similarities and differences.
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What Is Effexor XR and How Does It Work?
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The IR generic version is approved to treatmajor depressive disorder.
Effexor XR, the ER version of venlafaxine, is FDA-approved to treat:
This medication is often the first choice for treating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Increasing levels of these neurotransmitters helps improve symptoms.
Off Label Uses
Some healthcare providers prescribe venlafaxine off-label to children and adolescents.It is considered an off-label use because this medication is not FDA-approved for use in children and adolescents. Some other examples of off-label uses may include:
What Is Lexapro and How Does It Work?
Like venlafaxine, Lexapro is often a first-choice medication for anxiety and depression.
Lexapro is FDA-approved in adults and adolescents 12 years and older to treat depression. It can also be used to treat anxiety in adults and children 7 years and older.This medication is available as:
Off-Label Uses
Some healthcare providers prescribe Lexapro off-label for:
Dosing recommendations for Effexor XR, IR venlafaxine, and Lexapro can vary. Always talk to your healthcare provider about the proper dosage guidance for your needs.
Effexor XR vs. Lexapro: How Long Do They Take to Work?
The body absorbs Effexor XR and Lexapro at similar rates, although it is slightly different for the IR version of venlafaxine. Still, all of these medications may start to improve symptoms within a few weeks, although exactly how long it takes to work varies from person to person.
Effexor XR
When you take venlafaxine, it is processed, or metabolized, in the body as venlafaxine, as well as an active metabolite (a modified form of the medicine that has an effect on the body) called O-desmethylvenlafaxine:
Symptoms like sleep, energy, and appetite may start to improve within the first two weeks. However, it may take up to about eight weeks to notice the full effects of this medication.
Lexapro
A dose of Lexapro reaches its maximum effect within about 5 hours.Like Effexor, symptoms may start to improve within two weeks. However, it can take up to about eight weeks to see the full effects.
The warning states that in clinical studies, children, adolescents, and young adults who took antidepressants had an increased risk ofsuicidal thoughtsand behaviors. People of any age who take an antidepressant like Effexor XR or Lexapro should be closely monitored for any changes in mood or behavior or any suicidal thoughts.However, remember that venlafaxine is not FDA-approved for use in children or adolescents. Lexapro is not approved for use in children under 7 years old.
Like most medications, Effexor XR and Lexapro have other side effects that you might experience while taking them. Some are mild, while others may be more severe.
Common side effects of Effexor XR include:
Serious side effects of Effexor XR may include:
Common side effects of Lexapro include:
Serious side effects of Lexapro may include:
Help Is AvailableIf you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider. If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, you can call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States, providing free, confidential support. You can also call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you know is in a suicidal crisis.
Help Is Available
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider. If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, you can call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States, providing free, confidential support. You can also call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you know is in a suicidal crisis.
Potential for Interaction
Before taking Effexor or Lexapro, tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including:
Do not start any new medications while taking Effexor XR or Lexapro without approval from your healthcare provider. Some examples of drug interactions are listed below.
Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include:
Examples of drugs that affect serotonin include, but are not limited to:
Antidepressants that affect serotonin also can increase the risk of bleeding. Certain medications can also affect bleeding.
Check with your healthcare provider if you take anyblood thinnermedication (such aswarfarin),aspirin, or anynonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) such as Motrin (ibuprofen) ormeloxicam.
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Other drug interactions may occur with Effexor XR or Lexapro. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Cymbalta vs. Lexapro for Depression: Which Is Better?
Summary
SNRIs like Effexor XR and SSRIs like Lexapro are commonly prescribed to treat various mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, along with other methods like therapy.
These drugs have various similarities and differences. While they are similarly effective, Effexor XR and Lexapro differ in their dosing, the age groups that can take them, and how they work.
You can talk to your healthcare provider for more information about Effexor XR and Lexapro and see which treatment is appropriate.
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